1. Rapid prototyping allows students to create a virtual model from a digital design. Using rapid prototyping, students can bring ideas into reality. However, the computer systems needed for rapid prototyping are not always available at the high school level. One idea I had for using this in my classroom, was to have students create a 3-D model of the neighborhood from The House on Mango Street. Students would put the neighborhood together, using the descriptions from the book.
2. The biggest alternative I would suggest is to keep everything in one location. The book suggests a mobile unit with a server, network switch, printer, and twenty laptops. I would make sure to include activities that are not dependent on network activity. Many programs can be installed on the laptops, which would allow them to be used at any time. Being prepared for these circumstances would make the program successful.
3. The Step-Up-To-Excellence methodology is a complete transformation of an entire school district. Since SUTE is a three-step process, with a Pre-Launch Preparation phase, I would divide the staff into 4 groups. Each group would be assigned a step in the cycle to explain to the entire group. Broken down, it would be easier for each group to understand. The explanations would be in a language everyone would be able to grasp.





The Guidance System for Transforming Education is a process model for facilitating systematic change. To help my staff understand this methodology, I would have them list problems that need to be addressed within the school. Groups would then work with the GSTE to find solutions to these problems.
4. The University of North Texas, located in Denton, Texas has a Training and Development department for faculty. It is under the human resources division. The Training and Development staff focuses on working with department leaders to predict and develop strategies/approaches that continue to build a workforce capable of accomplishing UNT’s strategic goals. The BSC Training Catalog provides a list and description of all the courses offered by the Business Service Center Staff. The UNT Training Curriculum includes Certification Programs representing different training needs on campus. The first of these certification programs developed are the Supervisory Skills Certification and the Manager Skills Certification. These programs have a curriculum designed to provide a blueprint for a supervisory position. In order to receive the certification, fill out the participation form below and send it to Human Resources. Once all the necessary trainings have been completed, the tracking form should be sent to Human Resources for verification and to receive a certificate of completion. The Human Resources staff has compiled and archived the training videos for sessions facilitated via videoconference for the convenience of staff and faculty members.

Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches has a Teaching Excellence Center. The Teaching Excellence Center of Stephen F. Austin State University's mission is to support the faculty, teaching assistants and instructional units in their dedicated efforts to enhance teaching effectiveness and student learning. Through its services and programs, the Teaching Excellence Center works collaboratively to create a campus community that values and recognizes teaching excellence and innovation. One interesting program offered through SFA is teaching circles. Teaching Circles help instructors (and other interested parties) share ideas about teaching. They are groups of 5-10 individuals who meet regularly (once a month for one hour) to discuss topics related to teaching. The individuals do not need to be from the same area. In fact, a broader range of ideas can be generated when members come from a variety of backgrounds. Teaching Circles allow more extended discussion than do traditional workshops. These meetings can incorporate recent articles or books on a topic, or solely reflect the individuals' knowledge and experience. They should not be a gripe session. The object is to share ideas and strategies to improve teaching effectiveness. The Teaching Excellence Award recognizes faculty for their excellence in classroom teaching. Each year, six faculty receive college awards, one faculty member per college, and recognition from the university.

Eastfield College in Mesquite, Texas has an Office of Organizational and Staff Development which is committed to improving and providing quality learning opportunities to employee to meet the changing needs of Eastfield.